— imamship , n.
/i mahm"/ , n. Islam.
1. the officiating priest of a mosque.
2. the title for a Muslim religious leader or chief.
3. one of a succession of seven or twelve religious leaders, believed to be divinely inspired, of the Shi'ites.
Also, imaum /i mahm", i mawm"/ .
[ 1605-15; imam leader, guide ]